17 November 2023

A busy week began with a meeting with the Chair for the Collaborative Procurement Sub-committee (CPSC), Nicola Shelley.

In the afternoon, I gave a briefing as Chair of the Education, Employment and Skills Advisory Group about the work the group undertakes to new Cabinet members for the TVCA.

On Tuesday, I attended the General Licensing Committee Meeting held in the Jim Cooke Conference Suite where we discussed the Consent Street Trading Policy Review.

On Wednesday morning, I was interviewed by TFM about our Community Spaces. You can find out more about these and your nearest space on the Community Spaces webpage.

In the afternoon, I had a catch up with the Chair for the Integrated Care Board for North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS), Sir Liam Donaldson, in advance of the Tees Valley Integrated Care Partnership Area Meeting next week.

I then joined a workshop looking at the exciting development proposals and regeneration plans for Stockton Town Centre.

Yesterday, I attended this year's Catalyst Conference and Awards. It is always an important day for the VCSE sector and there were a wide range of speakers on topics like funding, as well as a presentation from our Chief Executive, Mike Greene.

In the afternoon, I chaired the pre-agenda meeting for the Health and Wellbeing Board where we were updated on items such as the Better Care Fund and winter preparedness.

I also attended Cabinet where we discussed the Council Plan update and school performance for 2022 to 2023, among other things.

Today I am visiting the new Amazon fulfilment centre in Wynyard Business Park with Mike Greene. The centre opened last month with an initial workforce of 1,000 employees and has plans to expand to 2,000. The opening adds to growing investment in Tees Valley and we are looking forward to seeing its progress.

This weekend I'm looking forward to spending time with my family. Middlesbrough had a brilliant result last Saturday, winning 1-0 against league leaders Leicester City. It was a fantastic performance and the atmosphere in the Stadium when the Boro scored was electric! That one will live long in the memory.